Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s stoic red-ball warrior, recently unveiled his all-time Test XI for India — and left himself out of the team. Despite being India’s modern-day bulwark at No. 3, Pujara humbly handed that honour to his idol and former coach, Rahul Dravid. He revealed his XI on Vikrant Unfiltered, a podcast by Sports Tak. As openers, he picked two legends cut from entirely different cloth: Sunil Gavaskar, the original master of technique, and Virender Sehwag, the fearless stroke-maker.

He said:

"The openers are a weird combination, both are very strong batters, but Calm and composed Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag, very aggressive. So, this can different way. Number 3. Rahul Dravid.  He has been a better player. Without any doubt."

VVS Laxman slotted in next — no surprise there. The Hyderabad stylist is known for rescuing India from the brink, most famously in the 281-run Eden Gardens epic.

For wicketkeeper, Pujara leaned towards experience — MS Dhoni got the nod over Rishabh Pant. He said,

“MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant are close. Right now, it’s MS Dhoni because Rishabh is progressing as a cricketer.” 

Though he hopes Pant may take that spot in the future.

The bowling line-up was a strong mix of pace and spin. He picked Kapil Dev — the man who brought India its first World Cup — and Jasprit Bumrah, modern cricket’s pace machine. Pujara implied,

"They cover different eras but bring equal value."

For spin, he trusted Anil Kumble, India’s top Test wicket-taker, and Ravichandran Ashwin, the tactical wizard who’s still rewriting records. Together, they round off a team that blends class, grit, and greatness.

Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, VVS Laxman, MS Dhoni (wk), Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah.